Depression - Characteristics

What are the behavioural characteristics of depression

Changes in activity levels sleep and eating disruption aggression and self harm

What are changes in activity levels

Either lethargy low energy or agitation restlessness pacing

What is disruption to sleep and eating

Insomnia or hypersomnia changes in appetite leading to weight change

What is aggression and self harm

Verbally or physically harming themselves or others

What are the emotional characteristics of depression

Lowered mood anger low self esteem

What is lowered mood

Feelings of sadness emptiness and loss of pleasure in activities

What is anger

Frequent irritability or anger

What is low self esteem

Disliking themselves self loathing

What are the cognitive characteristics of depression

Poor concentration dwelling on the negative absolutist thinking

What is poor concentration

Difficulty focusing making decisions affecting work or school

What is dwelling on the negative

Focusing on negative experiences rather than positive ones

What is absolutist thinking

Black and white thinking seeing situations as all good or all bad